Paul Hobbs Edward James Estate Chardonnay Russian River Valley is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
This small five-acre estate named after Paul's great-grandfather, Edward James, rewards us with a chardonnay that is pale straw in color with inviting aromas of lemon zest, red apple skin, gardenia, and honeysuckle. A creamy mouthfeel on the palate evolves into poached pear, ginger spice, and brioche that come together with a crunchy acidity and lively finish.
Review:
The 2022 Chardonnay Edward James Estate was named after Paul’s grandparents on his father’s side and originates in a vineyard planted entirely to Hyde Wente clone of Chardonnay. It was raised in French oak for 18 months on the lees. In the glass, it’s highly expressive and layered with aromas of toasted spice, incense, honeysuckle, quince, and preserved citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fantastic, long, supple texture with a linear, crystalline feel, great, evenly fresh acidity, and a salty, mouthwatering finish. This is my favorite of the white wines at this tasting. Drink 2025-2037.
-Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
This inviting Honjozo is full of floral, quince, dried mango, anise and hazelnut aromatics. On the palate this sake has medium body and a smooth mouth feel. Forward flavors of persimmon and black pepper with lively acidity gives this sake a beautiful balance.
Pair this with: Salmon teriyaki, chicken meatballs, glazed ham, spinach and bacon salad; served warm with Shabu Shabu
RICE POLISHING RATIO: 60%
ALCOHOL: 15-16%
SWEET/DRY: +5.0
FOOD PAIRINGS: Duck, Grilled salmon, Chicken meatballs, Glazed ham, Chinese, Italian, Cured Meats
CHEESE PAIRINGS: Comte, Mimolette, Pecorino
Sojourn Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard is 100% Pinot Noir.
This Walala Vineyard resides at 1,200-feet elevation just miles from the ocean in the northern Sonoma Coast. Cool coastal breezes and thick fog helped the grapes mature evenly through the September heat wave.
2022 was a drought vintage that offered only miniscule yields, with small clusters and tiny berries. Sojourn were only able to produce a small quantity of this exceptional Pinot Noir. It offers layers of red fruit aromas with tropical notes.
Review:
"With just 5% whole cluster to give it a touch of added structure and weight, the Walala Pinot Noir from Sojourn is aged in 50% new French oak. Displaying a ruby-red core with a light pink rim in the glass, it boasts pleasant aromas of red and black cherries, marionberries, wet-turned earth, crushed pink peppercorn, dusty flower petals, and sweet baking spices. Tannins are present but sweet and rounded and pair perfectly with the lush acidity that sweeps across the palate. Another winner from winemaker, Randy Bennett, is highly recommended."
- Jeremy Yount, International Wine Review 96 points
Weller-Lehnert Piesporter Domherr Grosses Gewachs Riesling is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Made in accordance with the stringent production criteria of the classification of the Bernkasteler Ring, wines with the designation “Grosses Gewächs Bernkasteler Ring” represent the premium line of the association’s dry wines. These Grand Crus can only come from the best sites of the steep slopes and are distinguished by their exceptional aging potential. To be awarded the status of “Grosses Gewächs”, selective hand-harvesting, a restriction of yields to 50 hl/ha and the passing of a stringent sensory examination by a highly qualified professional panel are required.
Piesporter Domherr is the ancient and original Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. It lies in the heart of Piesporter Goldtröpfchen right by the Mosel River. It consists of 4 hectares that are south-southeast facing.
The locatio on the river creates a mirror effect, offering optimum conditions for the production of outstanding mineral wine with fine, fruity elegance. Because of its prolonged vegetation period, Riesling (frequently referred to as the “queen of white varieties”) is often capable of expressing the characteristics of its terroir like no other.
Landes Cuvee Prestige Lussac Saint Emilion is made from 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc
Color: deep dark ruby intense color
Aroma: racy and aromatic nose with aromas of ripe red fruit, floral notes, wood and spice with a touch of vanilla.
Taste: this wine has a good structure and some powerful aromas of raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla and it is powerful with a complex finish. The oak is present but not dominant. The tannins are quite well integrated already.
Average age of the Vines: 60 years Yield : 50 hectoliters / hectare. Grape picking: harvest by machine. Vats: Stainless steel thermoregulated and computerized. Fermentation: 45 to 50 days with a final 35°C warm steeping. Winemaking: Malolactic fermentation in new oak barrel. Ageing: 16 months in new French Oak barrels from Allier and Limousin. Annual production: 10,000 bottles. (833 cases)
Review:
"This shows aromas of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries with walnuts, spices and cocoa. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a bright, succulent character. Racy finish. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (December 2022), 92 pts
SALE
Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Rouge Reserve is made from 60% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault.
The colour is purple-tinged garnet.The aromatic range of the nose goes from fresh berries (wild raspberry, blackcurrant, blackberry) to spices.The palate is big and full-flavoured, with silky-smooth tannins and aromas of the fruit already mentioned. The finish introduces touches of liquorice and pepper. A Côtes du Rhône with great complexity for an every day drinking.
A classic Rhône to drink between 1 and 4 years.